A Snippet of Taal Heritage Town

The Agoncillo home located at the heritage town of Taal in Batangas was the home of Marcella Agoncillo who sewed the first Philippine national flag and dubbed as the Mother of the Philippine Flag

Gen. Aguinaldo requested Marcella Agoncillo to sew a flag that would embody the voice and aspirations of the Filipinos which gave birth to the Philippines flag that was vital during the establishment of the first Philippine republic.

Many other things can be found in the Agoncillo Heritage Home ranging from photos, clothes, ornaments, and various accessories which are now consider antique. Entrance is free but donating is encouraged.

–

Villa Tortuga

Transport yourself back in Colonial time as you step inside Villa Tortuga, a heritage home located at Taal, Batangas that echoes the elegance of Philippine history.

Owner Lito Perez, a fashion and interior designer, is the brains behind the Colonial design of Villa Tortuga. The name of the establishment is derived from the Spanish word “Tortuga” that translates to “turtle” in English. Reason being is that Villa Tortuga is beside Pansipit River where turtles dwell.

Sleep-over arrangements are available in Villa Tortuga, as well as rent-to-wear clothes of 18th century Filipino clothing where you can get a sepia souvenir photo afterward making you feel you lived during those times. Luncheons are pre-arranged and so is the town tour.

–

Taal Galleria

Camera lovers will definitely fall in love with Galleria Taal, the first camera museum in the Philippines located in Taal, Batangas. The museum boasts a collection of vintage camera ranging from brands Canon, Nikon, Olympus and so on.

The vintage cameras are a personal collection of Manny Inumerable who was fascinated as to how old camera works. Mr. Inumerable tinkered with many different cameras until one day he found himself amassing a great number of vintage cameras.

The collection is housed in the Ylagan-Barrion ancestral home which Manny restored in 2004, and officially opened its doors in March 2010.

Access to the museum will cost P100, a cheap price for a priceless experience.

–

Don Leon Apacible Museum

Once the home of Don Leon and Matilde Apacible, this heritage is one of the oldest in the town. Don Leon was the finane officer of Emillio Aguinaldo and a delegate to the Malolos Congress in 1898.

The items can be found in the house range from blue and white ming pottery, gilded Florentine wine decanters, a gilt-edge-painted Venetian dinner service, and 18th century chandeliers, which have been all preserved quite well.

–

Basillica de San Martine

Towering with a length of 96 meters and width of 45 meters, the Basilica of St Martin de Tours is considered as the largest Catholic church in Asia, and is one of the most popular destinations in Taal, Batangas.

The façade of the church has similarities of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, while the silver tabernacle is said to be only one of its kind in the country. The church is famous during the lenten season and for couple who tie the knot.

–

Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay

Built out of coral stones, the Shrine of Our lady of Caysasay is a famous spot for pilgrims whereas they are able to receive the plenary indulgence granted to those who visit the ancient church of St. Mary Major in Rome.

The lady of Caysasay has been considered as miraculous for granting impossible petitions to those in need of help

Aside from heritage homes, Taal also has several excellent restauants where tourists could dine and relax after a tiring tour.